Santa put the sparkle into Dee Park when he visited to celebrate the Christmas lights switch-on in Lyon Square.

The event was organised by Pride of Dee Park, a group of mums who have made it their mission to build a strong community in the estate as it undergoes regeneration.

The group is supported by the Dee Park Partnership (DPP) of Willmott Dixon and Catalyst Housing who provided the Christmas tree, mince pies and hot chocolate.

The lights were switched on with the help of Martin Mortimer, DPP project director, and leader of Reading Borough Council Councillor Jo Lovelock, along with Santa and one of his helpers.

Ranikhet School Choir made sure everyone was in the Christmas spirit with a selection of carols.

Katie Gumbrell, a teacher at Ranikhet, said: “It was magical having the children sing so beautifully in front of so many people.

“They were wonderful and really showed that we’re all proud to belong.”

Santa met 180 children and gave them gifts funded by the Reading Borough Council Decent Neighbourhood Fund.

“The event raised £185 from a raffle and tombola which will go towards future projects on the estate.

Dee Park recently entered the second phase of the £150 million regeneration process which will transform the 40-year old estate.

The new phase will provide will provide a further 106 homes.

Martin Mortimer, the project director of Dee Park, said: “Having the choir and Ranikhet School involved made this a magical event.

“The new community café with its excellent coffee and cakes was a real focal point as well as the Santa’s Grotto for the kids.”

Kirsty Daniels from Pride of Dee Park said: “We are extremely grateful to the children and staff from Ranikhet Primary.

“It was so nice to see the enjoyment on the people’s faces and the excitement of the children as they queued for Santa’s grotto.

“That there is one of the reasons we love doing what we do for our community.”

Cllr Lovelock said: “As usual this Christmas event was well organised and everyone who came had a really good time – the queue for Santa was never ending and the children from Ranikhet sang beautifully. Thank you to the Pride of Dee Park for once again organising such a lovely community event.”